The Academic Common Market lets students from participating southern states pay in-state tuition at a college in another state, for a degree program that public colleges in their home state don't offer. Thirteen states take part fully; Florida and Texas take part for graduate programs only; North Carolina no longer takes part. To use it, you must be admitted to the specific program and certified by your home state's coordinator.
Where this information comes from
- Every rule in this guide comes from the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), which runs the Academic Common Market, through its program page and FAQ. We checked both on October 18, 2026.
- Each state runs its own certification, with its own forms and deadlines. Your state's coordinator has the final word, so confirm with them before relying on anything here.
Which states take part
| State | Undergraduate programs | Graduate programs |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes | Yes |
| Arkansas | Yes | Yes |
| Delaware | Yes | Yes |
| Florida | No | Yes |
| Georgia | Yes | Yes |
| Kentucky | Yes | Yes |
| Louisiana | Yes | Yes |
| Maryland | Yes | Yes |
| Mississippi | Yes | Yes |
| North Carolina | No | No |
| Oklahoma | Yes | Yes |
| South Carolina | Yes | Yes |
| Tennessee | Yes | Yes |
| Texas | No | Yes |
| Virginia | Yes | Yes |
| West Virginia | Yes | Yes |
Source: SREB, Academic Common Market FAQ, checked October 18, 2026. North Carolina left after a 2011 state budget act. Florida and Texas residents can use the program only for master's-level programs and above.
How it works
- What you pay: the college's in-state tuition rate instead of its out-of-state rate. SREB doesn't say how fees are handled, so ask the college.
- Which programs: degree programs that public colleges in your home state don't offer. More than 100 colleges and more than 2,200 undergraduate and graduate programs take part, though not every program is open to residents of every state.
- Online programs count. SREB says students can also use the Academic Common Market for degree programs offered through distance education, with the same rules.
- Programs change. A program can leave the market, as Clemson's undergraduate programs did for new students in February 2024. Check the program search the year you apply.
Who is eligible
According to SREB, you need all four:
- You live in a participating state.
- The out-of-state program is open to residents of your state. SREB's program search shows this.
- You've been admitted to that program through the college's regular application.
- You've applied through your home state and been certified as a resident.
Some colleges add their own conditions, such as full-time enrollment or a minimum GPA.
How to apply
- Find a program. Use SREB's program search to see which programs are open to residents of your state.
- Apply to the college and the program. Your admission letter should show regular admission to that specific program.
- Contact your state's coordinator. Each state has an Academic Common Market coordinator who certifies that you're a resident, usually with proof such as a driver's license, voter registration or state tax return. The steps, signatures and deadlines differ by state.
- Confirm with the college that your certification arrived and the in-state rate is on your bill.
SREB doesn't manage or track applications; your state and the college do.
Keeping it
- You don't need to reapply each year as long as you stay in the same program, keep your residency and don't change majors.
- Talk to your coordinator before changing majors. If you move into a program that isn't part of the market, you'll usually pay out-of-state tuition from then on. Most colleges won't ask you to repay past savings.
Is it worth looking into?
If you know what you want to study and your home state's public colleges don't offer it, the savings can be large: the gap between in-state and out-of-state tuition at public universities often runs to tens of thousands of dollars a year (see out-of-state tuition at 100 public universities). If you're still exploring majors, it's a harder fit, since the discount is tied to one program. Either way, a lower price is worth most at a college where you'd thrive. You may pay less if receiving grants or scholarships.
Lens helps you understand which kinds of colleges and majors fit you, using seven research-backed assessments, before you build your list. Start with Lens →
FAQ
What is the Academic Common Market? A tuition-savings program run by the Southern Regional Education Board that lets residents of participating southern states pay in-state tuition at a college in another state, for a degree program their home state's public colleges don't offer.
Which states are in the Academic Common Market? Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia take part fully. Florida and Texas take part for graduate programs only.
Is North Carolina in the Academic Common Market? No. North Carolina left after a 2011 state budget act.
Can Texas or Florida residents use it for an undergraduate degree? No. Residents of those two states can use it only for master's-level programs and above.
Is the Academic Common Market only for graduate students? No. It includes undergraduate and graduate programs, except for residents of Florida and Texas.
Can I use it for an online degree? Yes. SREB says distance-education programs are included, with the same eligibility rules.
What happens if I change my major? Talk to your state coordinator first. If your new major isn't part of the market, you'll usually pay out-of-state tuition from then on.
Related
- Out-of-state acceptance rates at public universities
- WUE schools: the full list of Western Undergraduate Exchange colleges
- WUE, Academic Common Market and other ways to pay less out of state
- Out-of-state tuition at 100 public universities
Sources
- Southern Regional Education Board, Academic Common Market and Academic Common Market FAQs, checked October 18, 2026.
- SREB, Academic Common Market program search and state coordinators.